Re: Final Determination of Unisaw Refurb

I apologize to the group for making a mistake on one issue I reported.
The serial number had NOT been completely removed.
(I told you it was in a dark corner of the garage - I'm getting SO
decrepit and blind.)
They simply removed a portion of the sticker that apparently contained
the DeltaX information/logo. Can't say for sure, 'cause it's not
there. It's where I usually LOOK for the serial number, and next to
where it actually is.
My bad...
Greg G.

Seems like you ought to drag whoever you bought it from and maybe even
someone from Delta out to your place Before going through all the hassle of
recrating and reloading. THEY ought to be picking it up.

Well, if they want it back in one piece, they'll have to pick it up.
For me to load and return it would require the removal of the top and
transportation without a pallet to stabilize the load against tipping.
Even though I have straps, it seems rather precarious to me, and still
a real PITA. And I don't really want a bunch of strangers crawling
around my garage, tripping over stuff - it could result in a law suit.
Wouldn't THAT be quaint.
After further investigation, in fact, it appears TO ME that shipper
was not even the cause of the bent blade-tilt pinion shaft.
Apparently, the mech was lowered onto the shaft while it was being
"refurbed" and bent it. I wondered how the heck an impact severe
enough to bend a solid steel shaft could not tear the box all to h$%#.
In my opinion, it was boxed up that way!
Either way, how the heck this thing passed ANY kind of Q.C. is beyond
me. Is this what workmanship in this country is coming to? Is this
why ALL THREE American automobile manufacturers COMBINED only hold a
52.2% slice of American auto sales? This is truly pathetic! How can
we offset a HUGE national trade deficit with products like this? This
issue presses one of my hot buttons, and I'm steaming at this point.
I preach to others to Buy American - but now I feel pretty foolish...
I haven't called Delta yet, because I didn't check it out thoroughly
until tonight, but as I uncovered more and more ugly things, utter
disillusion slowly set in. And perhaps I shouldn't report these
things in a public forum before allowing them to make amends, but
concealing the truth doesn't change it. Just ask G.W.
I DID talk to the dealer earlier today, but before discovering the
additional issues this evening. They did offer to replace the unit,
but again, transportation is an issue - and I'm not sure I even want
another saw at this point.
But I will report the end result - for better or worse.
If I were really wicked, I would install a blade and fire it up.
The resulting shrapnel would most certainly garner a hefty liability
suit for compensatory and punitive damages. I've always wondered what
it would be like to be wealthy. ;-)
Naaa - I wouldn't know what to do with it.
But wait, yes I do - MORE WOOD!
Greg G.

Greg  sorry to hear about all the problems with your saw. Its got to
be depressing but hang in there. Once you get your saw probs squared
away, cutting wood with your Unisaw will leave you with a warm fuzzy
tool-tingle that makes it all worth while.
Ok, this is how I picked up my Unisaw, also how the great pyramids were
probably built I had a bunch of scrap boards, 1-inch think. I lifted
the north side of saw and kicked a board under it. Then I did the same
for the south side to get the saw level again. Then I did the same
thing to the east and west sides, stacking those 1-inch boards on top
of the north/south boards. Keep repeating the process, north/south,
then east/west. In no time at all I had that critter high enough in
the air I had to stop and question my own sanity. In the pix youre
shops floor looked flat. If you have reasonably flat boards there is
no reason why you cant safely get your Unisaw high enough to scoot it
over, into your pickup bed. I was only changing the base so I didn't
want to lift the saw more than 1-in on a side at a time. Since you are
returning the saw, maybe you can use 2x4s.

...
Thanks for the concern, Joe.
It appears as though you may have been more right than I gave you
credit for. The older model was probably better built. But I am
still fearful of shipping damage and the grief and delays it can
cause. How ironic...
Interesting method of lifting a saw, I used a similar method to lift
small block engines onto a stand when I was much younger.
At this point, however, I have no intention of laying hands on it
again. If they don't pick it up, it'll be out by the curb on trash
day - I need the space.
Greg G.

Not really - despite some of the comments, I consider this thread to be a
pretty accurate reflection of the way most of us would be reacting to/in the
process of getting a nice new saw, and then the discoveries made once we got
it home. I really didn't hear any Delta bashing taking place or anything
else that was not understandable under the circumstance, in what you've
posted Greg.
It is a shame that you've hit this point though. One question - have you
contacted Delta or the store where you purchases this yet? (Please say
"yes" because I hate it when folks take their rants to forums like this and
don't give the responsible parties the opportunity to do what is right). I
just have to believe (or want to believe...) that given the gross nature of
the problems with your saw that either one or both would step up to the
plate in getting you a new saw and getting the old one out of there. That
would just be simple customer service.
I had an experience with Campbell Hausfeld that was not so different at all
from your experience. To make a long story short - I received a brand new
replacement for a refurb compressor that I purchased, which had come in very
damaged. I had to ask to speak to a manager at the customer service 800
number, but when I did, I plead a case and CH rather quickly agreed to send
me a new unit (brand new, not refurbed), pay all of the shipping for the old
one to go back and the new one to ship to me, inside shipping, and express
delivery. My experience really spoke very well of the way that CH takes
care of their customers and has made me happy to refer people to them. If
you haven't spoken directly with Delta yet, I would encourage you to and to
present an intelligent case to someone with a bit of authority, and then let
them have the chance to really help you out.
Sometimes lemonade tastes really, really good...

It's just my luck. I'm always the one who ends up with the pile in
his lap. Every shop I've worked, the problems, the irate customers,
the various FUs, the elusive intermittents - had to fix them all.
The buck stopped here. I have become SO weary of it...
Then it became buggy software, bizarre O.S. inconsistencies, and more
time consuming workarounds that took time from my day with no
compensation - save the personal satisfaction of solving the puzzle.
Woodworking was to be an escape from that sort of thing, but it seems
that the problems are pandemic. I was born under the FUBAR star. ;-)
Yea, I know, quit whining...

I have contacted the dealer, but before I discovered the additional
issues. They offered to replace it, but I don't think I want to even
go down this road again. And they want me to transport the unit.
And I hope this doesn't come off as a rant, I'm just discussing an
issue with fellow woodworkers - even if they are geographically
diverse. It's a good thing 'the company' doesn't allow their employees
to read these forums, or they'd have a contract out on me... ;-)
And since the saw doesn't run, I've got nothing better to do now.
Yea, I know, quit whining...

Sure, a mobile base and full warranty would look pretty spiffy on that
shiny new saw, but I'm not holding my breath either.
Thanks,
Greg G.

I would go directly to the source and to Delta with this. I have had some
pretty good results from going to the manufacturer's customer service web
sites. Don't hesitate to mention that you have also been seeking counsel
from internet woodworkers news groups. They really don't want the bad press
and many of them are very aware that we are out here reading about these
kinds of problems.
We are all potential customers.
RonB

For those who are interested, I contacted Delta Wednesday morning.
Talked to a pleasant woman who claimed to have worked for Delta for
over 30 years. Spoke English and everything. Talked for 15 min or so.
Explained the situation, and was advised to send an email with links
to photos to her email address, but she isn't sure what the address is
due to the B&D takeover. So I got ALL of them, and sent a polite, but
firm letter, with photo links, explaining the situation. Requested to
receive a confirmation of receipt, even of they did not reach a
determination. She agreed, and I again insisted to be notified of
receipt.
Well, I never got a confirmation, and haven't head anything from them.
One address was refused by the server, the other went through.
Since I host my own web sites, and run my own banks of servers, I am
able to determine who has clicked the links. Garsh... Over 200
unique hits! People in New York are apparently obsessed with Table
Saws. Including Rochester, NYC, White Plains, etc. Several from
Texas, North Carolina, California, Canada. Even major corporations
like Hewlett Packard & Ford Motor Company - the list goes on and on.
Everyone, that is, but Delta.
Shouldn't you guys be boning up to compete with invasion of foreign
goods, rather than browsing Usenet while at work? ;-)
Never knew the sound of a block of wood could attract so much
attention. :-o
Greg G.

Thanks for the offer, but no, I live in GA.
Dealer picked it up today - offered another refurb, I said I didn't
feel they were worth the trouble. They made no offer to sweeten the
sour taste in my mouth, and Delta pretty much ignored me, so I just
got (will get) a refund. And Delta just lost a lifelong supporter.
Thanks,
Greg G.

i know the taste. delta seems to be traveling down the same path that
all the rest are taking these days. when i bought my unisaw i found
and old [ 48 ] three phase for 400 then got a new motor belts and
pully. got a beis blem for 200 or less replaced the bearings and now
have a real nice saw. probly gonna put a new arbor in it this year as
it still has a significant amount of runnout. all in all i probly
spent as much as a new one after i get the armature but old iron is so
much better made than the new stuff. if ya dont mind waiting and doin
the labor for repairs that may be the way to go.
skeez

Used equipment doesn't seem to be very prevalent here, for some
reason. I've watched the papers and even eBay for something older.
Nada! Zip! A beat up, 40 year old machine sells for $900 here.
And it is really a shame - I wanted to believe the best about the last
remaining US mfg of woodworking equipment.
The problem with many US companies today - and it won't be a problem
much longer because they are dropping like flies - is that in their
self-righteous arrogance they forget that where, say 30 years ago,
they had the whole field to themselves, now there are many foreign
competitors that will be more than willing to take up the slack. They
will and DO gratefully cater to those who feel as they have been taken
advantage of or ignored by 'The Big Guys'.
I sold DOD electronic test equipment (and other things) on eBay for a
while (as ReliableRelics), and even though the equipment was used
and sold as-is, I tried to insure that every customer was satisfied.
I never had a single complaint about my service or equipment. It
wasn't THAT hard - I expected FAR more grief than I actually got.
Fair product - fair price - treat the buyer courteously.
Go Figure?!
Greg G.

And before that, we had soap operas, presumably aimed at adults.
Jeez. Entertainment Tonight wins again.
MTV is one reason I don't buy new straps for my TV antenna now that the
new roof is on. My wife can watch the news when it's as snowy as it is
now, but it gives me a headache. And between the idiotic laxative and
political commercials--definitely founded on the same substance--I am
nearly entertained by the number of people who have chronic heartburn
and high choliesterol.
What a medium, babysitter to the western world and masher of minds.

MTV and the rest of the junk on TV is why I have a TiVo.
I watch what I want, when I want.
Although, MTV allowed me to write off cable for YEARS, as musicians
and sound mixers need to keep current. Swingman may know what I mean.
I don't have to _LIKE_ MTV, but if my cable company carries it, and I
make money in the music biz, cable TV is a valid business expense in
April...
Even older guys from Texas who play blues probably need to keep up on
what's hot... <G>
Barry

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